Ofori-Atta moves to have INTERPOL Red Notice lifted

AB Felix Akudago 3 hours ago

Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has formally applied to INTERPOL to have his name removed from its Red Notice list, with proceedings currently under review.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), which had requested the Red Notice against Ofori-Atta, confirmed that in October 2025, the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files notified Ghanaian authorities of his application. The Commission requested Ghana’s response, which was duly submitted on October 22, 2025.

The case took a further step on November 7, 2025, when the Commission informed Ghana that Ofori-Atta had submitted additional arguments in an addendum and asked the authorities to respond by November 21, 2025. According to the OSP, the Commission is still reviewing the submissions and has not yet reached a determination.

During this period, Ofori-Atta’s name, image, and details are often redacted from public view as standard INTERPOL practice until a final decision is made. The OSP urged the public to disregard claims suggesting otherwise, describing such reports as “borne of mischief and misinformation.”

The Special Prosecutor’s office reiterated that all steps are being taken in accordance with INTERPOL’s procedures and that the matter remains under careful consideration by the Commission.

In June this year, Ken Ofori-Atta, was placed on INTERPOL’s Red Notice after allegations that he used public office for personal gain.

The notice, which alerts police worldwide to detain a suspect pending extradition, followed the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) re-declaration of Ofori-Atta as a wanted person after he failed to appear for a scheduled interrogation.

The 65-year-old former minister’s location remains unclear as he reportedly seeks medical treatment abroad.

Mr. Ofori-Atta is under investigation over several high-profile contracts, including petroleum revenue management, electricity supply agreements, and ambulance procurement.

He is also linked to the controversial National Cathedral project, which absorbed tens of millions of dollars of public funds but remains largely unfinished.

The OSP has rejected his legal team’s requests for a virtual interrogation, insisting he must appear in person despite submitted medical records. Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng emphasized that the office “will not countenance this conduct, not in this case.”